Humanities
Discover how the Humanities Department at BBSS nurtures curious, caring learners through real-world experiences and enrichment programmes in Geography, History, and Social Studies.
Humanities department vision, mission and staff contacts.
Vision | |
A holistic humanities curriculum which develops confident and reflective BBSSians who are emotionally connected to Singapore as well as future-ready to care for the society and the world we live in. | |
Mission | |
To nurture successful self-directed learners with a passion to achieve academic excellence and the desire to understand human societies. | |
Head of Department | Mr Nikhil Nath Chatterji (INT) |
Subject Head / Social Studies | Ms Catherine Bok |
Lead Teacher / Geography | Mdm Jayanthi D/O Appachamy |
Senior Teacher / History | Mr Jared Er |
Department Brief
The Humanities Department embarks on a curriculum to develop in students an inquisitive mind through inquiry-based pedagogy and to make learning more real by providing authentic learning experiences. Throughout their four to five years of education in our school we aim to instill in students the need to care for the Earth, an appreciation of the past, culture and heritage and to develop a sense of belonging to Singapore.
The 3H framework develops civic-minded leaders: Social Studies builds critical inquiry, Geography drives sustainability, and History connects heritage to informed decision-making.
Head | Heart | Hand | |
Social Studies Focus: Civic Consciousness & Critical Inquiry Nurturing community leaders who understand diverse perspectives and act for the common good. | Multi-perspective inquiry & critical thinking (Critical Inquiry): Develop analytical and discerning minds capable of evaluating complex socio-political issues through multiple perspectives. | Rooted in Singapore with a global outlook. (Rooted Identity): Cultivate an abundance mindset deeply anchored in Singapore’s core values, balanced with an appreciation for global dynamics. | Driving positive civic and social impact. (Civic Action): Empower students to act as community leaders, taking active initiative to enrich the lives of their peers, local neighborhoods, and the wider global society. |
Geography Focus: Environmental & Social Sustainability Nurturing community leaders who champion sustainable environments and inclusive spaces. | Evidence-based spatial & data analysis. (Geographical Thinking): Build a deep understanding of place, spatial relationships, and physical-human processes through data-driven inquiry and evidence evaluation. | Love for the Earth & social empathy. (Environmental & Social Empathy): Foster a genuine care for the Earth and a deep empathy for human and environmental challenges faced by communities. | Championing environmental & social sustainability. (Sustainable Advocacy): Nurture proactive advocates who lead sustainability initiatives with and for the local community, extending impact from the school compound to the world. |
History Focus: Heritage, Identity & Empowered Leadership Nurturing community leaders who learn from the past to make informed decisions for today. | Deep historical inquiry & reflective perseverance. (Historical Discerning Minds): Cultivate confident, reflective thinkers who question assumptions, analyze historical sources, and persevere in intellectual pursuit. | Strong connection to the Singapore Story. (Emotional Connection): Deepen emotional resonance with the Singapore Story, inspiring pride and a strong appreciation for our shared cultural heritage. | Using lessons of the past to empower present decisions. (Empowered Decision-Making): Nurture empathetic leaders who draw wisdom from history to exercise initiative, address contemporary community needs, and guide future action. |
Key Department Programmes and Activities
Humanities department key programmes and activities
No | Programme/Activity Title | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|
1 | Humanities Joy of Learning Week | A bi-annual event organised to instill in students a love for the Humanities |
2 | Coastal Studies and Environment Learning Journey | Coastal Geographical Investigation for Pure Geography students |
3 | Historical Learning Journey to Museums and Heritage Sites | For Sec 1 & 2 as part of Lower Secondary Historical Investigation |
4 | Humanities Overseas School Immmersion | Humanities Cultural and School Immersion Overseas Programme to Asia Pacific countries for Sec 2 and 3 students |
5 | Docent & Archivist Programme | For selected Sec 2 & 3 history students as part of History Talent Development Programme |
6 | Model United Nation Training Programme | For selected Sec 2 & 3 as part of Social Studies Talent Development Programme |
7 | Green Ambassadors Programme | For selected Sec 1, 2 & 3 as part of Geography Talent Development Programme |
The Coughing Hills Of Bukit Batok: What's In A Name?
Learn more about the history and how 'Bukit Batok' got its name from in this short video done by Bukit Batok Secondary School in conjunction with Singapore Heritage Festival 2022.
